On this day: New signing Andy Cole tipped Portsmouth to become more successful than Manchester City

On this day in 2006: Pompey new-boy Andy Cole predicted the club would become more successful than Manchester City.
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Harry Redknapp had tempted the striker away from City, paying up to £1m for his services and tabling a two-year deal.

Cole was delighted to make the switch, believing Pompey were ready to trade places with his former employers in the Premier League.

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He also tipped the Blues to earn a place in Europe within two years.

After his first training session since making the Fratton Park move, he told The News: ‘I’m coming to a club going upwards. I think you could say the tide is changing between Portsmouth and Manchester City.

‘When a big investor comes in and puts a bit of money in, it gives a club the opportunity to push on to the next stage.

‘Hopefully we can get ourselves into the top 10 this season and then the season after we can look towards Europe.

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‘I think that will be exciting with all the other changes that are planned.

Andy Cole, seen here against Manchester City in February 2007, had one season at Fratton Park, yielding four goals. Picture: Mick YoungAndy Cole, seen here against Manchester City in February 2007, had one season at Fratton Park, yielding four goals. Picture: Mick Young
Andy Cole, seen here against Manchester City in February 2007, had one season at Fratton Park, yielding four goals. Picture: Mick Young

‘Maybe I wouldn’t have been here a few years ago – but neither would David James or Sol Campbell.

‘Portsmouth want to go places. The top 10 is where we want to be and not fighting it out with teams who do not have as much money.

‘If we can get ourselves into a position where we are fighting for the UEFA Cup, that will be good. I want to achieve something here.’

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That 2006-07 season proved to be Cole’s first and last at Fratton Park.

He spent the final two months of the campaign on loan at Birmingham, before departing in August 2007 following 22 appearances and four goals.

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